2-phenylimidazio (4,5-c) pyridines

Abstract

This invention provides for certain 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridines, their pharmaceutical formulations, and their use as positive inotropic agents, bronchodilators, vasodilators, and anticoagulants.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of producing a positive inotropic effect, delaying coagulation of the blood, causing bronchodilation, or causing vasodilation in a mammal, which comprises the administration to such mammal an effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR5## or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, wherein R 1  is hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, or chloro; R 4  is hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, or C 1  -C 4  alkoxy; and   each of R 5  and R 6  is independently hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, allyloxy, C 1  -C 4  alkylthio, C 1  -C 4  alkylsulfinyl, C 1  -C 4  alkylsulfonyl, hydroxy, halo, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di-(C 1  -C 4  alkyl)amino, trifluoromethyl, or Z-Q-substituted C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, wherein Q is oxygen, sulfur, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, or a bond, and Z is C 1  -C 4  alkyl, phenyl, or phenyl substituted with halo, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino, C 1  -C 4  alkylthio, C 1  -C 4  alkylsulfinyl, or C 1  -C 4  alkylsulfonyl.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 2-(2-methoxy-4-methylsulfinylphenyl)imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 2-(2-methoxy-4-methylsulfonylphenyl)imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 2-(2-methyoxy-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
       5. A pharmaceutical composition useful for producing an inotropic effect in mammals which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent and an effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR6## or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, wherein R 1  is hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, or chloro; R 4  is hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, or C 1  -C 4  alkoxy; and   each of R 5  and R 6  is independently hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, allyloxy, C 1  -C 4  alkylthio, C 1  -C 4  alkylsulfinyl, C 1  -C 4  alkylsulfonyl, hydroxy, halo, cyano, nitro, mono- or di-(C 1  -C 4  alkyl)-amino, trifluoromethyl, or Z-Q-substituted C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, wherein Q is oxygen, sulfur, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, or a bond, and Z is C 1  -C 4  alkyl, phenyl, or phenyl substituted with halo, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino C 1  -C 4  alkylsulfonyl.   
     
     
       6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the compound is 2-(2-methoxy-4-methylsulfinylphenyl)imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
       7. The composition of claim 5 wherein the compound is 2-(2-methoxy-4-methylsulfonylphenyl)imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
       8. The composition of claim 5 wherein the compound is 2-(2-methoxy-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.